YOGA FOR RUNNERS

1. I have heard that Yoga is a good cross-training workout for runners. Is this true?

During a run, the force of impact on each foot is about three to four times your weight. The pain most runners feel is not from the running itself, but from imbalances that running causes and aggravates.

Yoga is a whole-body system that builds strength, flexibility and mobility and can benefit runners in many ways. When used as a cross-training tool, yoga can help prevent injuries and optimise performance. If you bring your body into balance through the practice of yoga, you can keep running for years to come.

Although yoga and running lie on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, the two need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, running and yoga make a good marriage of strength and flexibility.

For better balanced, more efficient, more adaptable and even more enjoyable runs, we recommend incorporating yoga into your training program.

2. Can yoga be used as a post-run exercise?

Practicing a few yoga poses after a run, when your muscles are warm and soft, will make you feel a whole lot better the next day. Post-run yoga will decrease injuries and improve the health and strength of muscles. Also, tense muscles have trouble receiving enough blood. Stretching improves the muscles' access to healthy blood and oxygen.